Twenty-two

La Rue walked out of the trees and towards Hans as steadily as she could manage. When he caught sight of her, he stood, a dagger in hand and a dangerous look in his eyes. La Rue swallowed and stopped just a few feet away, her head bowed. No matter what she felt, she knew he reacted better to submission than dominance.

"Where is Thyrious?" he asked harshly.

"Away."

"Where?"

La Rue shrugged. "I no know. La Rue go no Thyrious."

Hans stepped towards her cautiously. "Why did you come back? You're not one to just die when I tell you to!"

La Rue shivered in fear, but kept her head down. "I back Hans kill."

There were many gasps as others listened and watched. She felt the point of the knife under her chin and held her breath. Hans said, "Why?"

"La Rue no run. La Rue no want run." She looked up at him then and saw what Anju meant. On his face, added to the scar La Rue made, was another. It ran opposite though, making the lines connect on Hans's nose.

Hans nodded.